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The San Diego History Center

The History Center presents engaging, family-friendly exhibitions with participatory activities that tell the remarkable stories of our region – past, present and future. We also offer popular public programs and special events.

LOCATION

Casa de Balboa is located at the east end of El Prado, near the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, the San Diego Natural History Museum, and the Bea Evenson Fountain. Casa de Balboa also houses the Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) and the San Diego Model Railroad Museum.

BALBOA PARK

The History Center is located in the heart of historic Balboa Park, the nation’s largest urban cultural park, with 16 museums, multiple performing arts venues, stunning architecture and gardens, and the San Diego Zoo. Balboa Park is the cultural center of San Diego, a city renowned for its ocean beaches, scenic natural sites, entertainment attractions and world-class amenities.

Thursday, November 22nd: no films all day (museum closed on Thanksgiving)

Friday, November 30th: no 11:00am, 12:00pm, and 1:00pm films

ADMISSION

We invite the public of all ages to come into our museum without paying a traditional admission fee. Your admission has been donated by a generous supporter. After visiting the museum, we ask you to determine the value of your visit and invite you to GIVE FORWARD for a future visitor. Our suggested minimum donation is $10.00.

GROUP TOURS

RESIDENTS FREE TUESDAY: SECOND TUESDAY/MONTHLY

As a public service, Balboa Park organizations offer free admission on a rotating basis to the tax payers of San Diego County. The History Center’s Residents Free Tuesday is the second Tuesday of every month. All participants must show one of the following forms of ID: CA driver’s license, utility bill, San Diego Library Card, student ID, or active duty or dependent military ID.

For a list of upcoming closures at each site, see Visit and click on the location you will be visiting.

The San Diego History Center is funded in part by the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture and by the County of San Diego. The History Center is a member of the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership and the San Diego Museum Council. The History Center is also a Smithsonian Affiliate.